The FIBA European Small Countries Championship 2024 in Andorra marked a significant milestone for the Malta national basketball team under the new guidance of coach Duncan Fenech. Appointed in February, Fenech brought his experience from Luxol to the national stage, to lead a roster of players mostly coming from the local Division One who performed in a way that exceeded expectations by the end of the tournament.
Malta’s roster was nevertheless bolstered by three overseas players: veteran centre Samuel Deguara, Michael Sjoberg, and Joshua Tomasi.
Deguara, arriving late due to commitments in Taiwan, missed the opening game against Gibraltar. His absence was felt as Malta fell to an 89-81 defeat. Nevertheless, Deguara’s impact was immediate and profound once he stepped on the court. In the subsequent game against San Marino, he dominated, leading Malta to a resounding 92-52 victory. His performance not only highlighted his critical role but also propelled him to the top scorer of the tournament, earning him the MVP award by Sunday’s final day.
In a statement after the tournament, coach Fenech said late arrivals hindered preparation.
“We were unable to prepare for the tournament with a complete squad mostly due to the fact that Joshua (Tomasi) and Sam (Deguara) could only join us just before the start due to club commitments. However, we picked up and improved to build momentum for the semi-final,” he said.
“In many ways, this tournament presented a different challenge as we relied mostly on homegrown players to lead the team throughout this journey. Our players managed to gain confidence and performed well to make it to the final.”
Michael Sjoberg’s return to the national team after a prolonged absence added another layer of strength. The Switzerland-based Maltese power forward made a notable impact with 19 points off the bench in the opening game against Gibraltar. His presence provided much-needed depth and versatility to Malta’s lineup.
David Bugeja, a key player for Mellieha Libertas last season, stood out as one of the main orchestrators on the court. Averaging 13.2 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game, Bugeja’s consistent performance and leadership were instrumental in Malta’s journey to the final. His drive to compensate for missing out on the Division One title with Mellieha Libertas was evident as he started in all five games.
Youngster Neil Cassar, who spent last season on loan at Valletta Fighters, was given an opportunity against San Marino and made the most of his limited minutes, showcasing confidence with a dunk among his contributions.
Meanwhile, Luxol’s Nathan Xuereb and Starlites’ Ian Felice Pace took on the starting guards’ role. Despite previously losing his spot to Eric Washington at the 2023 Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE), Xuereb averaged a solid nine points per game, proving his reliability in crucial moments. Felice Pace, while not as prominent on offence, was a crucial part of Malta’s defence. The Malta youngster showed confidence in his play, repaying the faith by his coach.
Malta Expectations
Malta’s community may have had high expectations due to the generally favourable draw. However, the absence of usual key players like Aaron Falzon, Tevin Falzon, and Nelson Kahler, who were unavailable for the call-up to this tournament due to other personal commitments, was a point of concern. These omissions initially appeared risky, but Fenech’s strategy demonstrated faith in the local talent available and the selected roster.
The results reflected a tournament of fluctuating fortunes for Malta. After their initial defeat to Gibraltar, they bounced back emphatically against San Marino. The game against hosts Andorra was a tightly contested affair, but Malta fell short with a score of 82-78. In the semifinal, Malta redeemed their earlier loss by defeating Gibraltar 85-79, setting up a rematch with Andorra in the final. Despite a valiant effort, Malta was edged out 84-79, securing the runner-up position.
“Andorra were always the favourites, playing in front of their home crowd with relatively young and talented players. That said, we always believed we had the quality to make it,” Fenech remarked.
“We are very proud of our players as they gave their all and only fell short of winning the top prize in the last stages of the final game.”
Report Card
Offence: A-
Malta showcased an impressive offensive strategy, particularly highlighted by Deguara’s dominance and Bugeja’s consistent contributions. The team’s ability to recover from the opening loss and post high-scoring games demonstrated effective offensive plays.
Defence: B
While Malta had strong defensive moments, their ability to hold off opponents like Andorra in crucial moments was a mixed bag. Improvement in maintaining defensive intensity throughout the game is needed.
Team Cohesion: B+
The integration of locally-based players with overseas talents was mostly successful. However, the late arrival of key players like Deguara and Tomasi did pose some challenges.
Coaching: B+
Coach Fenech’s debut together with assistants Brandon Cassar Saguna and Omar Said was promising, reflecting a balanced approach and strategic risk-taking. The decision to rely on local talents showcased depth but highlighted areas for further integration and synergy.
Overall Performance: B+
Malta’s journey to the final, coupled with strong individual performances and team resilience, marked a positive campaign. Despite falling short in the final, the team’s progression under new leadership is an indicator for future tournaments.
Malta’s performance at the FIBA European Small Countries Championship 2024 was a testament to their evolving strength and potential under Coach Fenech’s new regime. The mix of local and overseas players demonstrated promising synergy, setting a solid foundation for future international competitions.